How to Be Happy

We are officially in the most joyous part of the year!..right? I mean, it's the Christmas season! So many magical things can happen, and what can go wrong with images of white snowfall and sparkly ornaments, bright lights and giant smiles on the faces of children who are so excited to see what's under the tree for them...

With Christmas around the corner, we also have the new year on its way. I don't know about you, but 2017 has completely gotten away from me, and I have been avoiding the reality that it's almost over. It just doesn't feel like it has been a year since so many major things took place in 2016! But..it's the Christmas season, so we can forget those worries...for now.

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. The gifts have nothing to do with it, and I certainly don't look forward to the chance of snow...not that Charlotte ever has snow on Christmas, besides that one time several years ago. It's not the cold weather or the sweaters that do it for me. It's not even the hot chocolate or the feast that families are expected to enjoy. It's definitely not the football game and, honestly, religion doesn't play much of a role in my Christmas either. So, why is Christmas my favorite holiday?

It's the glitter, the giving, and the sense of nostalgia. It's the feelings of hope and of love, and the ideal of joy and cheer. It's the spirit that creates this happiness in people that may not be there the rest of the year. Every store you walk into is decorated beautifully and everything looks so magical. The decorations of shiny bulbs and sparkling lights, cute little critters in sweaters and snowmen that've come to life. The warmth portrayed in bundled up children, hugging friends, and toasty fireplaces. Melted marshmallows sandwiched between crackers and chocolate, peppermint sticks floating in lattes, and houses made of gingerbread with gumdrops and icing. This holiday season has it all.

[I mean, I have always been the dreamer who falls in love with sparkles and fantasizes about my ideal world, so not really a surprise!]

But I'm starting to wonder if there's a way to take the joy and happiness that Christmas brings and maintain it throughout the rest of the year. I'm wondering what it would take, what it would look like, and what it would require to harness the power of Christmas magic for use all year, spreading love and cheer to those who are struggling. Why should the magic of Christmas only last for one month? How can we make it last all year, each and every year? We'd have to look at the things people are doing differently in December and encourage them to do it on a regular basis. We'd have to challenge ourselves to do the same. In fact, we'd have to start with ourselves before we could ever ask this of others.

So what would it take to create this kind of happiness all year long?

#1. The Christmas season is filled with giving. During this time, people are more inclined to volunteer their time, give money and items to those in need, and gift their friends and families with treasures they feel will make them happy. This type of free love, generosity, and gratitude could easily be shared all year long. Let's make it our goal to volunteer our time at least once each month. It only takes a few hours. When we have extras, let's put in the effort of sharing with those who need these things more than we do. Extra money and extra food or clothing can be shared at any point in the year, not just Christmas. When our friends and families are down, let's cheer them up with something thoughtful that will tell them they are valued. It doesn't have to be a physical gift, but could simply be a card or letter, even a phone call with the words, "You are important. You are valuable. You are loved."

#2. Christmas magic is portrayed by glitter and bright lights, smiling faces and miracles. I say, let's put glitter on everything, all year round. Let's deck the halls in shiny lights and keep them up throughout the year. These small things can add cheer, putting smiles on faces more often. Let's make it our goal to find beauty in everything. And when we can't find the beauty in something, let's figure out how we can add a touch of sparkle and create our own beauty.

#3. Since we're in the U.S. and Christmas takes place in the winter, let's harness the power of warmth throughout the year. It doesn't have to be cold outside to give someone a hug. Someone shouldn't be visibly shivering before we make an effort to comfort them. Pay attention to your friends when they're struggling and offer a hand before their small problem becomes a tragedy. See someone spiraling? Recognize the signs and step in before you've lost them completely. A cry for help is just that, so be aware of the moods and events going on in the lives of those you love. A little attention can go a long way.

If you have additional ideas for how we can take the spirit of Christmas and create happiness year-long, email us at winningwomanwellness@gmail.com so we can create a collective New Years Resolution of spreading joy and being happy in 2018!

Thanks for reading!